Abstract

Few data exist on respiratory effects of indoor air quality and comfort parameters in the elderly. In the context of the GERIE study, we investigated for the first time the relationships of these factors to respiratory morbidity among elderly people permanently living in nursing homes in seven European countries.

600 elderly people from 50 nursing homes underwent a medical examination and completed a standardised questionnaire. Air quality and comfort parameters were objectively assessed in situ in the nursing home. Mean concentrations of air pollutants did not exceed the existing standards.

Even at low levels, indoor air quality affected respiratory health in elderly people permanently living in nursing homes, with frailty increasing with age. The effects were modulated by ventilation.

Abstract

Poor air quality in European nursing homes impairs respiratory health in the elderly permanently living in themhttp://ow.ly/Es8VQ

Footnotes

Support statement: The GERIE study was funded by the European Commission's Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG-SANCO; contract no. 2006343) and the French Agency for Environment and Energy Management (ADEME; contract no. 08 62 C 0076).

Conflict of interest: Disclosures can be found alongside the online version of this article at erj.ersjournals.com